Cochineal Many think natural dyes are only from vegetable sources.  However, in the red family of dyes there is murex purple from a mollusk, cochineal, kermes and lac from insects. When the Spanish came to the New World they discovered natives dying their weavings a brilliant red.  The dye was obtained from outer exoskeleton of…

Frogs No not amphibians, these frogs are garment closures and the last of Buttons, Toggles and Frogs. Frogs are decorative garment closures formed from loops of braid and sewn onto garments.  Like Toggles they eliminate the need for buttonholes.  Unlike toggles, that are usually used for heavy-weight garments, frogs are usually used on delicate fabrics…

Frogs No not amphibians, these frogs are garment closures and the last of Buttons, Toggles and Frogs. Frogs are decorative garment closures formed from loops of braid and sewn onto garments.  Like Toggles they eliminate the need for buttonholes.  Unlike toggles, that are usually used for heavy-weight garments, frogs are usually used on delicate fabrics…

Toggles In the past two blogs we examined buttons, but by no means began to cover every type nor style nor material from which they are manufactured. Today we look at a cousin of buttons, the toggle fastener.  If you ever owned a woolen jacket perhaps the closure was one as in the photo below. …

Toggles In the past two blogs we examined buttons, but by no means began to cover every type nor style nor material from which they are manufactured. Today we look at a cousin of buttons, the toggle fastener.  If you ever owned a woolen jacket perhaps the closure was one as in the photo below. …

Buttons – Part Two OK!!   More buttons For collectors who wish to begin a collection, there are lots of buttons to be had.  Frequently, old metal tins (probably used for sewing boxes) chock full of buttons can be found in thrift shops, at flea markets or yard sales.  The majority of the contents are ordinary…